Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Population in an Urban District Facing COVID-19 in Kisangani, DRC
Issa Yakusu *
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Francis Baelongadi
Provincial Health Division, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lobela Bumba
Yalosase Health Center, Isangi Rural Health Zone, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Osinga Bonyoma
Public Health Expert, Provincial Health Division, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Basandja Longemba Eugene
Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Muyobela Kapunzu
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ossinga Bassandja
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kayembe Tshilumba
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: To determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Covid-19 among residents of the Plateau Boyoma neighborhood.
Methods: A questionnaire was designed and a cross- sectional survey was carried out among 214 households in the Plateau Boyoma district between September 27 and October 27, 2020. Participants were questioned on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19. The data was analyzed by SPSS.
Results: The majority of respondents were males aged 39 to 45 years. Most of the participants had higher education (68.7%). The main sources of information on COVID-19 were radio and television. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards complying with government infection control measures, 43.9% said they frequently wash their hands with soap and water, cover their mouth and their skin, respectively nose when coughing or sneezing. However, household concern about COVID-19 is very great. In this study, the surveys had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19 and adapted attitudes towards this disease. However, community health campaigns are necessary to have optimistic attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures without misconceptions.
Keywords: COVID-19, boyoma plateau, population, knowledge, attitudes, practices.